Card socket device and electronic apparatus including the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a card socket device and an electronic apparatus including the same. The card socket device includes a seat portion configured to receive an attachable card; and one or more connection terminal portions formed in the seat portion and configured to form an electrical connection with one or more connection pads formed in a bottom surface of the attachable card, wherein the seat portion is configured such that a space accommodating the attachable card is upwardly opened.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 ofKorean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0105711, filed Aug. 14, 2014, andKorean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0098411, filed Jul. 10, 2015, inthe Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed embodiments relate to a card socket device and anelectronic apparatus including the same, and more particularly, to acard socket device and an electronic apparatus including the same, whichmay provide improved insertion of an attachable card.

An electronic apparatus may be equipped with various types of attachablecards. For example, a mobile wireless terminal may be equipped with asubscriber identity module (SIM) card or a memory card as an auxiliarymemory device that may be connected in a detachable manner.

An attachable card, such as the SIM card or the memory card, may bemounted on a card socket device which is separately provided in theelectronic apparatus. The card socket device may include severalcomponents to fix or separate the attachable card to or from the cardsocket device. An increase in the number of components may involve anincrease in size or weight of the electronic apparatus, an increase inthe number of assembly processes, an increase in costs due to thegreater number of components, or the like.

SUMMARY

In some exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to acard socket device comprising: a seat portion configured to receive anattachable card; and one or more connection terminal portions formed inthe seat portion and configured to form an electrical connection withone or more connection pads formed in a bottom surface of the attachablecard, wherein the seat portion is configured such that a spaceaccommodating the attachable card is upwardly opened.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe seat portion includes a bottom portion which faces the bottomsurface of the attachable card and on which the one or more connectionterminal portions are formed, and one or more sidewall portions thatface at least a portion of a side of the attachable card wherein aninner surface of the one or more sidewall portions has a shapecorresponding to the side of the attachable card so as to be engagedwith the side of the attachable card, and wherein an inner surface ofthe one or more sidewall portions has a shape corresponding to the sideof the attachable card so as to be engaged with the side of theattachable card

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include one ormore fixing members disposed in an upper inner surface of the one ormore sidewall portions to retain the attachable card.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include a visorconfigured to protrude from an upper inner surface of a portion of theone or more sidewall portions, which are adjacent to the connectionterminal portions, and to direct the attachable card to be inserted in adirection toward the connection terminal portion.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinwhen the attachable card is mounted on the seat portion, a height of atop surface of the sidewall portion is equal to or lower than a heightof a top surface of the attachable card.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe seat portion has a planar shape.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe one or more connection terminal portions include a first connectionterminal and a second connection terminal, and a height of a top surfaceof the first connection terminal is higher than a height of a topsurface of the second connection terminal.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe first connection terminal is a power supply terminal, and the secondconnection terminal is a data input/output terminal.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe one or more connection terminal portions include a flexible memberhaving elasticity in a direction perpendicular to a bottom surface ofthe seat portion.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinwhen the attachable card is mounted, an area in which the seat portionoverlaps the attachable card is smaller than half an area of theattachable card.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe attachable card is one of a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, auser identity module (UIM) card, and a memory card.

In some exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to acard socket device comprising: a seat portion configured to receive anattachable memory card, wherein the seat portion is configured such thata space accommodating the attachable memory card is open on two linearsides; and one or more connection terminal portions formed in the seatportion and configured to form an electrical connection with one or moreconnection pads formed in a bottom surface of the attachable memorycard, wherein the one or more connection terminal portions include afirst connection terminal and a second connection terminal, and a heightof a top surface of the first connection terminal is higher than aheight of a top surface of the second connection terminal.

In some exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to anelectronic apparatus, comprising: a card socket device configured toreceive an attachable card; and an accommodating groove configured toaccommodate the attachable card and the card socket device, wherein thecard socket device is configured such that a space accommodating theattachable card is upwardly opened, and at least a portion of an innersurface of the first accommodating groove has a shape corresponding to asidewall of the attachable card so as to be engaged with the sidewall ofthe attachable card.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include a secondaccommodating groove disposed under an end of the attachable card andhaving a bottom surface lower than a bottom surface of the firstaccommodating groove when the attachable care is inserted into the cardsocket device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe card socket device is configured to expose a top surface of theattachable card when the attachable card is mounted thereon and furtherincluding: a fixing member disposed in an upper portion of an innersurface of the first accommodating groove to retain the attachable card.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include a seatportion configured to receive an attachable card; and one or moreconnection terminal portions formed in the seat portion and configuredto form an electrical connection with one or more connection pads formedin a bottom surface of the attachable card, wherein the seat portion isconfigured such that a space accommodating the attachable card isupwardly opened.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinthe seat portion includes a bottom portion which faces the bottomsurface of the attachable card and on which the one or more connectionterminal portions are formed, and one or more sidewall portions thatface at least a portion of a side of the attachable card, and wherein aninner surface of the one or more sidewall portions has a shapecorresponding to the side of the attachable card so as to be engagedwith the side of the attachable card.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include one ormore fixing members disposed in an upper inner surface of the one ormore sidewall portions to retain the attachable card.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include a visorconfigured to protrude from an upper inner surface of a portion of theone or more sidewall portions, which are adjacent to the one or moreconnection terminal portions, and to direct the attachable card to beinserted in a direction toward the connection terminal portion.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may further include whereinwhen the attachable card is mounted on the seat portion, a height of atop surface of the sidewall portion is equal to or lower than a heightof a top surface of the attachable card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will be more clearly understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card socket device, according tocertain exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are respectively a perspective view, a plan view,and a cross-sectional view of the card socket device of certainexemplary embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIG. 1, into which anattachable card is inserted;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rear surface of the card socket deviceof certain exemplary embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a card socket device according tocertain exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view for describing a height differencebetween connection terminal portions in the card socket device ofcertain exemplary embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a card socket device according tocertain exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view for describing a height differencebetween connection terminal portions in the card socket device ofcertain exemplary embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are respectively a perspective view, a plan view,and a cross-sectional view of a card socket device into which anattachable card MC is inserted, according to certain exemplaryembodiments;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a card socket device into whichan attachable card MC is being inserted, according to certain exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a card socket device and anelectronic apparatus accommodating the card socket device, according tocertain exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are respectively a perspective view and across-sectional view of the electronic apparatus of certain exemplaryembodiments, such as the embodiments of FIG. 10, in which a card socketdevice is accommodated;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are exploded perspective views of a card socket deviceand an electronic apparatus accommodating the card socket device,according to certain exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a mobile terminal including a cardsocket device, according to certain exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of certainexemplary embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIG. 14A, includingthe card socket device; and

FIG. 14C is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of certainexemplary embodiments, such as the embodiments of FIG. 14B, includingthe card socket device from which a battery cover is separated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. The inventive concept and features, however, may be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as being limited tothe exemplary embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, thethicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Likereference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”,“third”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer and/or section from another element, component, region, layerand/or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer orsection discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of thedisclosed embodiments. For example, a first element may be referred toas a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred toas a first element without departing from the scope of protection of thedisclosure. In addition, in certain cases, even if a term is notdescribed using “first,” “second,” etc. in the specification, it maystill be referred to as “first” or “second” in a claim in order todistinguish difference claimed elements from each other.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or“comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to or “on” another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to or on the other element or intervening elementsmay be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being“directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there areno intervening elements present. Other words used to describe therelationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion(e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directlyadjacent,” etc.). However, the term “contact,” as used herein refers todirect contact (i.e., touching) unless the context indicates otherwise.

Embodiments described herein will be described referring to plan viewsand/or cross-sectional views by way of ideal schematic views.Accordingly, the exemplary views may be modified depending onmanufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, the disclosedembodiments are not limited to those shown in the views, but includemodifications in configuration formed on the basis of manufacturingprocesses. Therefore, regions exemplified in figures may have schematicproperties, and shapes of regions shown in figures may exemplifyspecific shapes of regions of elements to which aspects of the inventionare not limited.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s)or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

Terms such as “same,” “planar,” or “coplanar,” as used herein whenreferring to orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, orother measures do not necessarily mean an exactly identical orientation,layout, location, shape, size, amount, or other measure, but areintended to encompass nearly identical orientation, layout, location,shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures within acceptable variationsthat may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes. The term“substantially” may be used herein to reflect this meaning.

As used herein, items described as being “electrically connected” areconfigured such that an electrical signal can be passed from one item tothe other. Therefore, a passive electrically conductive component (e.g.,wires, pads, internal electrical lines, etc.) physically connected to apassive electrically insulative component (e.g., a prepreg layer of aprinted circuit board, an electrically insulative adhesive connectingtwo devices, an electrically insulative underfill or mold layer, etc.)is not electrically connected to that component. Moreover, items thatare “directly electrically connected” to each other may be electricallyconnected through one or more passive elements, such as, for example,wires, pads, internal electrical lines, through vias, etc. As such,directly electrically connected components do not include componentselectrically connected through active elements, such as, for example,transistors or diodes.

As used herein, a semiconductor device may refer, for example, to adevice such as a semiconductor chip (e.g., memory chip and/or logic chipformed on a die), a stack of semiconductor chips, a semiconductorpackage including one or more semiconductor chips stacked on a packagesubstrate, or a package-on-package device including a plurality ofpackages. These devices may be formed using ball grid arrays, wirebonding, through substrate vias, or other electrical connectionelements, and may include memory devices such as volatile ornon-volatile memory devices. As used herein, the terms memory device mayrefer to a semiconductor device that includes one or more memory arrays,and/or may also refer to a device such as a memory card, memory module,or solid state drive that includes one or more memory chips or package.The use of the terms “device” or “card” is not intended to limit thetypes of memory.

An electronic device, as used herein, may refer to these semiconductordevices or memory devices, but may additionally include products thatinclude these devices, such as a hard drive including additionalcomponents, or a mobile phone, laptop, tablet, desktop, camera or otherconsumer electronic device, etc.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical andscientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

When embodiments may be implemented differently than that disclosedherein, a specific process order may also be performed differently fromthe described order. For example, unless the context indicatesotherwise, two operations or processes described as being performedconsecutively instead may be performed substantially at the same time orperformed in an order opposite to the described order.

In the accompanying drawings, variations of the illustrated shapes maybe expected as a result of, for example, manufacturing technologiesand/or tolerances. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should not beconstrued as being limited to specific shapes of the regions, asillustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shape that mayresult, for example, from manufacturing. As used herein, the term “and”and “or” include any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when precedinga list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modifythe individual elements of the list.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card socket device 10 according tocertain exemplary embodiments. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are, respectively, aperspective view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional view of theexemplary card socket device 10 of FIG. 1 into which an attachable cardMC may be inserted.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the card socket device 10 mayinclude a seat portion 11 into which the attachable card MC (e.g.,memory card) may be inserted, and one or more connection terminalportions 13 formed on the seat portion 11. In certain embodiments, theseat portion 11 may be configured to expose a top surface MCT of theattachable card MC. For example, the seat portion 11 may be configuredsuch that a space accommodating the attachable card MC is open at a topor upward facing space.

In some embodiments, the attachable card MC may be directly insertedinto the card socket device 10 downwardly through an upper opened spaceof the card socket device 10.

For example, the seat portion 11 may include a bottom portion 11G andmultiple sidewall portions 11W. In some embodiments, at least two of thesidewall portions 11W may be parallel and facing one another. The bottomportion 11G may face the bottom surface MCB of the attachable card MC.

The sidewall portions 11W may be formed along the interior edges orinterior sides of the bottom portion 11G, such that the sidewallportions 11W face or abut at least a portion of corresponding sides ofthe attachable card MC. In this case, the sidewall portions 11W may havea shape opened to expose one of four sides of the attachable card MC.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, in some embodiments, an openedlateral space may be used when the attachable card MC is separated fromthe card socket device 10. When the attachable card MC is mounted on thecard socket device 10, for example, an end of the attachable card MC maystick out through the opened lateral space and, in some embodiments,extend beyond the bottom portion 11G. A user may lift the end of theattachable card MC, which sticks out, and easily separate the attachablecard MC from the card socket device 10. Separation of the attachablecard MC will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 10.

In certain embodiments, because the seat portion 11 may not have a lidportion that covers the top surface MCT of the attachable card MC, aheight of the sidewall portions 11W may not be particularly limited. Forexample, a height of the sidewall portions 11W may be equal to or lowerthan a height of the top surface MCT of the attachable card MC. Incertain embodiments, the height of the sidewall portions 11W may be suchthat the top surface 11T of the sidewall portions may be substantiallyeven, or on the same level or plane, with the top surface MCT of theattachable card MC. In some exemplary embodiments, the card socketdevice 10 may have a planar shape including the bottom portion 11Gwithout the sidewall portion 11W.

In some exemplary embodiments, when a fixing member is formed in anupper inner surface of the sidewall portions 11W, a height of the topsurface 11T of the sidewall portion 11W may be higher than the height ofthe top surface MCT of the attachable card MC.

An inner surface 11Win of one or more of the sidewall portions 11W mayhave a shape corresponding to a side of the attachable card MC so as tobe engaged with the side of the attachable card MC. The side of theattachable card MC may have a bended portion and the inner surface 11Winof the sidewall portion 11W may be formed to define the bended portionof the side of the attachable card MC. That is, a space defined by thesidewall portion 11W may correspond to a specific shape of theattachable card MC. Since an upper side of the seat portion 11 isopened, the user may visually check a shape of the space defined by thesidewall portion 11W.

Generally, in conventional systems, a card socket on which a card ismounted may have a drawer shape. The drawer-shaped card socket may beenclosed on five sides, e.g., a bottom, three sidewalls, and a top thatis configured to cover the top surface of an inserted card. The card maybe inserted by pushing the card through a narrow lateral space of thecard socket. In such configurations, the user may insert the attachablecard MC and not know a position of a connection terminal portion of thecard socket or whether the card is compatible with the card socket.Therefore, when the card is improperly inserted into the card socket,there is a possibility that the card socket or the card may be damaged.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the card socketdevice 10 may allow the user to visually check or verify a shape of thespace defined by the sidewall portions 11W. For example, the user mayinsert the attachable card MC into the space defined by the sidewallportions 11W, properly fitting the attachable card MC into the space. Inaddition, it may be possible for the user to determine whether a certainattachable card is compatible with the card socket device 10 by, forexample, comparing the shape of the space defined by the sidewallportion 11W with a shape of a given attachable card MC. Therefore, itmay be possible to prevent or inhibit damage to the attachable card MCor the card socket device 10, which may be caused due to the insertionof the attachable card which is incompatible with the card socket device10.

In some situations with drawer-shaped card socket devices, a separatenotch may be disposed inside the card socket device so as to fix theinserted attachable card MC thereto. In these cases, it may bebeneficial to include additional components, such as a spring forpushing the attachable card MC in a side direction so as to separate theattachable card MC, or a latch device for preventing loss of the pushedattachable card MC. However, these additional components have somedrawbacks.

Thus, in the card socket device 10 according to some exemplaryembodiments, when the attachable card MC is mounted on the card socketdevice 10, the bended portion of the attachable card MC may be engagedwith the bended portion of the inner surface 11Win of the card socketdevice 10, and therefore, the attachable card MC may be fixed to orjoined with the card socket device 10.

In some embodiments, the card socket device 10 and the top surface ofthe attachable card MC, when inserted into the card socket device 10,may be covered by a lid or the like included in an electronic apparatuson which the card socket device 10 is mounted. For example, the lid mayretain the attachable card MC in the card socket device 10, therebyreducing the possibility that the attachable card MC may be separatedfrom the card socket device 10 through an upper opened space of the cardsocket device 10. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the card socketdevice 10 does not need a separate component for retaining theattachable card MC, so that it is possible to prevent an increase in thevolume of the electronic apparatus and an increase in the number ofassembly processes. In some embodiments, the lid may be a part of theelectronic apparatus that includes the card socket device 10 and may beprovided for components other than the card socket device 10. Forexample, the lid may be a common member that covers at least oneinterior component of the electronic apparatus (for example, a battery)other than the card socket device 10. The lid will be described infurther detail with reference to FIGS. 14B and 14C.

In some exemplary embodiments, the card socket device 10 may furtherinclude a fixing member configured to fix the attachable card MC to theupper inner surface of the sidewall portion 11W of the card socketdevice 10. In certain embodiments, it may be possible to more stablyretain the attachable card MC in the card socket device 10 by includingthe fixing member in addition to the lid. An example fixing member willbe described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

Returning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the connection terminalportions 13 may be formed on the bottom portion 11G. The connectionterminal portions 13 may face the connection pad MCC formed in thebottom surface MCB of the attachable card MC. The connection terminalportions 13 may include, for example, a power supply terminal, a datainput/output terminal, a clock terminal, etc.

When the attachable card MC is mounted on the bottom portion 11G of theseat portion 11, the connection terminal portions 13 may be electricallyconnected to the connection pad MCC formed in the attachable card MC.The connection terminal portions 13 included in the card socket device10 may be formed from a medium that allows for an electrical connectionbetween the attachable card MC and an electronic apparatus (notillustrated) which includes the card socket device 10. Therefore, insome embodiments, the connection terminal portions 13 may beelectrically connected to both of the attachable card MC and theelectronic apparatus on which the card socket device 10 is mounted.

In some embodiments, the connection terminal portions 13 may have a finshape. For example, the connection terminal portions 13 having a finshape may by configured such that a portion of the connection terminalportions 13 protrude upwardly as the connection terminal portions 13extends parallel with the bottom portion 11G, but exemplary embodimentsare not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, the connectionterminal portions 13 may include flexible or bendable members havingelasticity or extensibility in a direction perpendicular to the topsurface of the bottom portion 11G. For example, the connection terminalportions 13 may be a spring, and the connection terminal portion 13 mayhave a structure in which a conductive ball is formed on the spring.

In certain embodiments, a protruding portion of a fin of the connectionterminal portions 13 may be formed such that, when the detachable cardMC is not mounted into the card socket device 10, the connectionterminal portions 13 may be disposed at a position higher than aposition when the attachable card MC is mounted. For example, when theattachable card MC is inserted into the card socket device 10, theprotruding portion of the fin of the connection terminal portion 13 maybe compressed by the attachable card MC, thereby improving the qualityand stability of the connection.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the exemplary cardsocket device 10 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the connection terminalportions 13 may be exposed from the rear surface of the card socketdevice 10. For example, one end of the connection terminal portions 13may protrude from the front surface of the card socket device 10 to beconnected to the connection pad MCC of the attachable card MC. The otherend of the connection terminal portions 13 may protrude from the rearsurface of the card socket device 10 to be electrically connected to amain board of the electronic apparatus. While FIG. 3 illustrates theconnection terminal portions 13 exposed from the rear surface of thecard socket device 10 so as to allow for greater stability in theconnection to the electronic apparatus, the exemplary embodiments arenot limited thereto.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a card socket device 20 according tosome exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view fordescribing a height difference between connection terminal portions 23Aand 23B in the exemplary card socket device 20 of FIG. 4. The cardsocket device 20 of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to the cardsocket device 10 of FIG. 1, except for the shapes of the connectionterminal portions 23A and 23B. The same reference numerals denote thesame members, which will be described briefly.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the card socket device 20 may include a seatportion 11 configured to allow a top surface MCT of an attachable cardMC to remain exposed, and one or more connection terminal portions 23formed on the seat portion 11 to be electrically connected to one ormore connection pads MCC formed on a bottom surface MCB of theattachable card MC. The attachable card MC may be directly inserted intothe card socket device 20 through an upper opened space of the cardsocket device 20.

The connection terminal portions 23 may include one or more firstconnection terminals 23A and one or more second connection terminals23B. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a height H1 of theuppermost surface of the first connection terminal 23A may be higherthan a height H2 of the uppermost surface of the second connectionterminal 23B. In certain embodiments, the connection terminal portions23 may have a fin shape having a protruding portion, and the protrudingportions of the first and second connection terminals 23A and 23B may bethe uppermost surfaces of the first and second connection terminals 23Aand 23B.

In some embodiments, a height difference between the first and secondconnection terminals 23A and 23B may create a first, preliminary contactand a second, subsequent contact between the attachable card MC and theconnection terminal portions 23 so as to drive the attachable card MC inan electrically stable manner. For example, the first connectionterminal 23A for which a preliminary contact is desired may be disposedat a position higher (e.g., H1) than a position of the second connectionterminal 23B (e.g., H2) for which the subsequent contact is desired,thereby allowing the first connection terminal 23A to come into contactwith the attachable card MC before the second connection terminal 23Bcomes into contact with the attachable card MC. Therefore, in someembodiments, it may be possible to prevent the plurality of connectionterminal portions 23 from coming into contact with the plurality ofconnection pads MCC of the attachable card MC at random or to enable theplurality of connection terminal portions 23 to come into contact withthe plurality of connection pads MCC in a predetermined order based onthe relative heights of the connection terminal portions 23.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first connection terminal 23A may bea power supply terminal, and the second connection terminal 23B may be adata input/output terminal. The first connection terminal 23A that is,for example, the power supply terminal may come into contact with theattachable card MC first, thereby improving electrical stability of theattachable card MC. Subsequently, the second connection terminal 23Bthat is, for example, the data input/output terminal may come intocontact with the attachable card, allowing for electrical driving of theattachable card MC in a more stable state.

Although the seat portion 11 is illustrated as including the bottomportion 11G and the sidewall portions 11W in FIG. 5, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto. As described above, the card socketdevice 20 according to the exemplary embodiments may be formed in anyshape as long as the card socket device 20 exposes the top surface ofthe attachable card MC when the attachable card MC is inserted thereto.In some exemplary embodiments, the sidewall portions 11W of the seatportion 11 may be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a card socket device 30 according tosome exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view fordescribing a height difference between connection terminal portions 33Aand 33B in the exemplary card socket device of FIG. 6. The card socketdevice 30 of FIG. 6 may be substantially similar to the card socketdevice 20 of FIG. 4 except for a shape of the connection terminalportions 33.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the card socket device 30 may include a seatportion 11 configured to allow a top surface MCT of an attachable cardMC to remain exposed, and one or more connection terminal portions 33formed on the seat portion 11 to be electrically connected to one ormore connection pads MCC formed on a bottom surface MCB of theattachable card MC. In some embodiments, the connection terminalportions 33 may be formed of elastic flexible or bendable member havingelasticity or extensibility in a direction perpendicular to the topsurface of the bottom portion 11G. For example, connection terminalportions 33 may be a spring or coil.

The connection terminal portions 33 may include a first connectionterminal 33A and a second connection terminal 33B. As illustrated inFIG. 7, a height H3 of the uppermost surface of the first connectionterminal 33A may be higher than a height H4 of the uppermost surface ofthe second connection terminal 33B.

As described above, the height difference between the first and secondconnection terminals 33A and 33B may create a first, preliminarypreceding contact and a second, subsequent contact between theattachable card MC and the connection terminal portions 33 so as todrive the attachable card MC in an electrically stable manner. In someexemplary embodiments, the first connection terminal 33A may be a powersupply terminal, and the second connection terminal 33B may be a datainput/output terminal.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are respectively a perspective view, a plan view,and a cross-sectional view of a card socket device 40 into which anattachable card MC is inserted, according to certain exemplaryembodiments. The card socket device 40 of FIGS. 8A to 8C issubstantially similar to the card socket device 10 of FIG. 1, exceptthat a height of a top surface 41T of sidewall portions 41W is higherthan a height of a top surface MCT of the attachable card MC, and thecard socket device 40 further may include fixing members 45A and 45Bformed in an upper inner surface of one or more sidewall portions 41W.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8C, the card socket device 40 may include aseat portion 41 configured to allow the top surface MCT of the insertedattachable card MC to remain exposed. The card socket device 40 also mayinclude one or more connection terminal portions (not shown) formed onthe seat portion 41 to form an electrical connection with one or moreconnection pads MCC formed on a bottom surface MCB (not shown) of theattachable card MC.

The seat portion 41 may include a bottom portion 41G and one or moresidewall portions 41W. A height of the top surface 41T of the sidewallportions 41W may be higher than a height of a top surface MCT of theattachable card MC. Fixing members 45A and 45B may be formed on an upperinner surface of one or more sidewall portions 41W. The fixing members45A and 45B may protrude from the inner surface of one or more sidewallportions 41W and overlap portions of the inserted attachable card MC.

In some embodiments, the first fixing member 45A may be disposedsubstantially in parallel with an arrangement direction of theconnection pads MCC of the attachable card MC and may be formed toretain a front-end of the attachable card MC adjacent to, or in contactwith, the connection pads MCC. The second fixing members 45B may beformed to retain either or both sides of the attachable card MC relativeto the front-end. In some exemplary embodiments, the first fixing member45A, which is disposed adjacent to the front-end of the attachable cardMC, may be replaced with a visor for inducing an insertion direction ofthe attachable card MC. The above configuration will be described indetail with reference FIGS. 9A and 9B.

In certain embodiments, the fixing members 45A and 45B may protrudeand/or overlap portions of the attachable card MC to an extent thatfixing members 45A and 45B retain the attachable card MC, but limitimpedance to the insertion or removal of the attachable card MC throughan opened upper surface of the card socket device 40. For example, whenthe attachable card MC is inserted or removed through the opened uppersurface of the card socket device 40, a user may apply an upward ordownward force sufficient to overcome latch resistance caused by thefixing members 45A and 45B. In some embodiments, the fixing members 45Aand 45B may have a shape that allows the attachable card MC to beinserted or removed without damaging the attachable card MC, while alsopreventing or inhibiting the attachable card MC from being separated orremoved unintentionally from the card socket device 40 due to, forexample, vibration, sudden jolts or movements, inadvertent contact, etc.

For example, the fixing members 45A and 45B may have rounded corners soas to reduce or minimize latch resistance caused by the fixing members45A and 45B when the attachable card MC is inserted into or removed fromthe card socket device 40.

Although the fixing members 45A and 45B are illustrated as havingsubstantially similar thicknesses to the attachable card MC in FIGS. 8Ato 8C for convenience of description, exemplary embodiments are notlimited thereto. For example, the fixing members 45A and 45B may have athickness substantially equal to or less than half the thickness of theattachable card MC. In some exemplary embodiments, the number orarrangement of the fixing members 45A and 45B may be freely selected. Insome exemplary embodiments, the first fixing member 45A may be omitted.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a card socket device 50 intowhich an attachable card MC is being inserted, according to someexemplary embodiments. The card socket device 50 of FIGS. 9A and 9B maybe substantially similar to the card socket device 10 of FIG. 1, exceptthat a height of a top surface 41T of one or more sidewall portions 41Wmay be higher than a height of a top surface MCT of the attachable cardMC and the card socket device 50 may further include a visor in an upperinner surface of one or more of the sidewall portions 41W.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the card socket device 50 may include aseat portion 41 configured to allow the top surface MCT of the insertedattachable card MC to remain exposed. The card socket device 50 may alsoinclude one or more connection terminal portions (not shown) formed onthe seat portion 41 to form an electrical connection with one or moreconnection pads MCC formed on a bottom surface MCB (not shown) of theattachable card MC.

The seat portion 41 may include a bottom portion 41G and one or moresidewall portions 41W. A height of the top surface 41T of the sidewallportions 41W may be higher than a height of the top surface MCT of theattachable card MC. The visor 57 may be formed in the sidewall portion41W adjacent to the connection pads MCC, the visor 57 being disposedsubstantially in parallel with an arrangement direction of theconnection pads MCC of the attachable card MC and may be formed toretain or hold a front-end of the attachable card MC adjacent to, or incontact with, the connection pads MCC.

The visor 57 may protrude from the inner surface of the sidewall portion41W. In certain embodiments, the visor 57 may protrude and/or overlapportions of the attachable card MC to an extent that the visor 57 maydirect insertion of or retain the attachable card MC but does not impedeinsertion or removal of the attachable card MC through an opened uppersurface of the card socket device 50. In some embodiments, the user mayplace a front-end of the attachable card MC under the visor 57 andinsert the remaining portion of the attachable card MC into the cardsocket device 50. For example, by its design, the visor 57 may direct orinduce insertion of the attachable card MC in a desired direction.

Referring to FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, card socket device 50 mayinclude fixing members 45B. The fixing members 45B may be formed on anupper inner surface of one or more sidewall portions 41W and mayprotrude from the inner surface of one or more sidewall portions 41W,overlapping portions of the inserted attachable card MC. In certainembodiments, the fixing members 45B may be formed to hold or retaineither or both sides of the attachable card MC relative to thefront-end.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a card socket device 20 andan electronic apparatus 100 accommodating the card socket device 20,according to some exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10, a casing frame 101 of the electronic apparatus 100may include an accommodating groove G1 configured to hold or accommodateand separate the card socket device 20 and the attachable card MCinserted into the card socket device 20. The casing frame 101 may covera main board (e.g., including semiconductor devices, processors, centralprocessing units (CPUs), etc.) inside the electronic apparatus 100.

The card socket device 20 may be accommodated in the accommodatinggroove G1. One or more connection terminal portions 23 exposed from arear surface of the card socket device 20 may be electrically connectedto the main board by one or more connection pads 102 formed on a bottomsurface of the accommodating groove G1.

A visor 105 which directs or induces an insertion direction of theattachable card MC or one or more fixing members 103, which may retainor hold the attachable card MC, may be formed in an upper inner surfaceof the accommodating groove G1.

In some embodiments, accommodating groove G1 may include accommodatinggrooves G1A, G1B, and G1C, which may form the interior sides ofaccommodating groove G1. Specifically, the accommodating groove G1 mayinclude a first accommodating groove G1A configured to accommodate thecard socket device 20 and the attachable card MC inserted into the cardsocket device 20. In addition, the accommodating groove G1 may include asecond accommodating groove G1B and a third accommodating groove G1Cwhich are provided to facilitate separation of the attachable card MC.

The second accommodating groove G1B may be formed to be disposed underan end of the attachable card MC when the attachable card MC is insertedinto the card socket device 20. The second accommodating groove G1B maybe attached and/or adjacent to the first accommodating groove G1A. Inaddition, a bottom surface of the second accommodating groove G1B may belower than a bottom surface of the first accommodating groove G1A.Therefore, a space may be defined between a bottom surface of the end ofthe attachable card MC and the bottom surface of the secondaccommodating groove G1B. The above configuration will be described infurther detail with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

The third accommodating groove G1C may be attached and/or adjacent tothe second accommodating groove G1B. In addition, a bottom surface ofthird accommodating groove G1C may have a height that graduallyincreases from a height of the bottom surface of the secondaccommodating groove G1B to a height of the top surface of the casingframe 101. That is, the third accommodating groove G1C may have a slopeGCS at which the height of the bottom surface of the third accommodatinggroove G1C gradually increases. The above configuration will bedescribed in further detail with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

In some embodiments, the visor 105 may be disposed in the upper innersurface of the accommodating groove G1 to direct or induce a directionin which the attachable card MC is inserted into the card socket device20. In some embodiments, the visor 105 may protrude and/or overlapportions of the attachable card MC to an extent that the visor 105 maydirect insertion of or retain the attachable card MC but does not impedeinsertion or removal of the attachable card MC through an opened topsurface of the card socket device 20. The user may place a front-end ofthe attachable card MC under the visor 105 and insert a remainingportion of the attachable card MC into the card socket device 20. Forexample, by its design, the visor 105 may direct or induce insertion ofthe attachable card MC in a desired direction

In addition, the one or more fixing members 103 may be disposed in anupper inner surface of the accommodating groove G1 to fix the attachablecard MC mounted on the card socket device 20. The one or more fixingmembers 103 may protrude from the upper inner surface of theaccommodating groove G1, overlapping portions of the inserted attachablecard MC. In some embodiments, the one or more fixing members 103 mayprotrude and/or overlap portions of the attachable card MC to an extentthat allows one or more fixing members 103 to retain the attachable cardMC, but limit impedance to the insertion or removal of the attachablecard MC from card socket device 20 by an external force without damagingthe attachable card MC, while also preventing or inhibiting theattachable card MC from being separated or removed unintentionally fromthe card socket device 20 due to, for example, vibration, sudden joltsand movements, inadvertent contact, etc. For example, the fixing member103 may have rounded corners so as to reduce or minimize latchresistance caused by the one or more fixing members 103 when theattachable card MC is inserted into or removed from the card socketdevice 20.

The electronic apparatus 100 according to some exemplary embodiments mayinclude the card socket device 20 configured to allow a top surface MCTof an inserted attachable card MC to be exposed, the fixing member 103to be formed in the accommodating groove G1, and the secondaccommodating groove G1B to be formed, resulting in a simple structurewhile allowing insertion, retention, and removal of the attachable cardMC. Therefore, it may be possible to prevent an increase in cost due toa greater number of card socket devices, an increase in the number ofcomponents, or an increase in the number of assembly processes.

Although the electronic apparatus 100 is illustrated as including thecard socket device 20 of, for example, FIG. 4 in the embodiment of FIG.10, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments,the electronic apparatus 100 may include, for example, the card socketdevices 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 and, for example, the card socketdevices 30, 40, or 50 illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9B.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are respectively a perspective view and across-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the electronicapparatus 100 of FIG. 10 accommodating the card socket device 20. FIG.11B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 11A.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, in some embodiments, the secondaccommodating groove G1B may be formed to be disposed under an end of anattachable card MC. For example, the second accommodating groove G1B mayhave a bottom surface that is recessed to have a stepped portion D withrespect to the bottom surface the first accommodating groove G1A intowhich the card socket device 20 is inserted. Therefore, in certainembodiments, a space may be defined between a bottom surface of the endof the attachable card MC and the bottom surface of the secondaccommodating groove G1B.

The space defined by the second accommodating groove G1B may be used tocreate a gap or separation when the attachable card MC is fully insertedinto the card socket device 20. For example, it may be possible to allowthe attachable card MC to be easily separated from the card socketdevice 20 by lifting the bottom surface of the end of the attachablecard MC, which is exposed through the space or gap, by a hand or nail ofa user, a relatively-sharp tool, or the like.

The third accommodating groove G1C may be attached and/or adjacent tothe second accommodating groove G1B. In addition, a bottom surface ofthird accommodating groove G1C may have a height that graduallyincreases from a height of the bottom surface of the secondaccommodating groove G1B to a height of the top surface of the casingframe 101. For example, the bottom surface of the third accommodatinggroove G1C may have a slope GCS.

The third accommodating groove G1C may be a passage through which a handof the user easily may reach the second accommodating groove G1B. Forexample, the user may reach the second accommodating groove G1B throughthe third accommodating groove G1C that is attached and/or adjacent tothe second accommodating groove G1B and the bottom surface of the secondaccommodating groove G1B that has a lower height than the height of thetop surface of the casing frame 101. Therefore, in some embodiments, anarea, width, depth, or the like of the third accommodating groove G1Cmay be freely selected. In certain embodiments, the third accommodatinggroove G1C may be omitted.

The visor 105, which may be formed in the upper inner surface of theaccommodating groove G1, may protrude and/or overlap portions of theattachable card MC to an extent that the visor 105 may direct insertionof or retain the attachable card MC is latched but does not impedeinsertion or removal of the attachable card MC through an opened uppersurface of the card socket device 50. For example, by its design, thevisor 105 may retain the attachable card MC.

Although the fixing member 103 and the visor 105 are illustrated asbeing included in the accommodating groove G1, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11Aand 11B, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In someembodiments, the electronic apparatus 100 including the card socketdevice 20 may or may not selectively include the fixing member 103and/or the visor 105.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a card socket device 60 andan electronic apparatus 200 accommodating the card socket device 60,according to certain exemplary embodiments. The electronic apparatus 200of FIG. 12 may be substantially similar to the electronic apparatus 100of FIG. 10, except for a size of the card socket device 60 and a shapeof an accommodating groove G2 corresponding to the size of the cardsocket device 60.

Referring to FIG. 12, for example, a seat portion 61 may include abottom portion 61G on which an attachable card MC may be mounted and asidewall portion 61W which may face one or more sides of the attachablecard MC. In some embodiments, an area in which the bottom portion 61G ofthe seat portion 61 overlaps the attachable card MC may be smaller thanhalf an area of the attachable card MC. For example, the seat portion 61of the card socket device 60 may be formed to have an area that is of asize small enough to support little more than the connection terminalportions 23.

A casing frame 201 of the electronic apparatus 200 may include, forexample, the accommodating groove G2 configured to accommodate theinsertion and removal of the card socket device 60 and the attachablecard MC inserted into the card socket device 60.

In some embodiments, accommodating groove G2 may include accommodatinggrooves G2A, G2B, and G2C, which may form the interior sides ofaccommodating groove G2. Specifically, the accommodating groove G2 mayinclude a first accommodating groove G2A configured to accommodate thecard socket device 60 and a portion of the attachable card MC disposedon the card socket device 60. The accommodating groove G2 may a secondaccommodating groove G2B configured to be attached and/or adjacent tothe first accommodating groove G2A and accommodate the remaining portionof the attachable card MC, which sticks out of the first accommodatinggroove G2A.

An inner surface G2 in of the second accommodating groove G2B may have ashape corresponding to a side of the attachable card MC so as to beengaged with the side of the attachable card MC. The side of theattachable card MC may have a bended portion. The inner surface 2Gin ofthe second accommodating groove G2B may be formed to define the bendedportion of the side of the attachable card MC. For example, a spacedefined by the second accommodating groove G2B may correspond to aspecific shape of the attachable card MC. The user may visually check ashape of the space defined by the second accommodating groove G2B.

That is, the user may insert the attachable card MC into the spacedefined by the second accommodating groove G2B while fitting theattachable card MC into the space. Therefore, it may be possible tolimit or prevent damage to the attachable card MC and/or the card socketdevice 60, such as damage that may be caused when the attachable card MCis inserted in a wrong direction. In addition, the user may determinewhether a certain attachable card is compatible with the card socketdevice 60 by comparing a shape of the space defined by the secondaccommodating groove G2B with a shape of the certain attachable card.Therefore, it may be possible to limit or prevent damage to theattachable card MC or the card socket device 60, such as damage that maybe caused due to insertion of the attachable card which is incompatiblewith the card socket device 60.

In some embodiments, when the attachable card MC is mounted on the cardsocket device 60, the bended portion of the attachable card MC may beengaged with or adjacent to the bended portion of the inner surface G2in of the second accommodating groove G2B. Therefore, the attachablecard MC may be fixed to the accommodating groove G2.

In addition, the accommodating groove G2 may include a thirdaccommodating groove G2C and a fourth accommodating groove G2D which maybe provided to facilitate separation or removal of the attachable cardMC.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a card socket device 70 andan electronic apparatus 300 accommodating the card socket device 70,according to certain exemplary embodiments. The electronic apparatus 300of FIG. 13 is substantially similar to the electronic apparatus 100 ofFIG. 11, except for a shape of the card socket device 70 and a shape ofan accommodating groove G3 corresponding to the shape of the card socketdevice 70.

Referring to FIG. 13, for example, the card socket device 70 may includea substantially planar portion 71 having a plate shape and one or moreconnection terminal portions 23 formed on the bottom portion 71G. Insome embodiments, the card socket device 70 may not include a sidewallportion along the outside edges of the bottom portion 71G, andtherefore, may have a reduced area and volume.

In certain embodiments, a casing frame 301 of the electronic apparatus300 may include an accommodating groove G4 that may be reduced so as tocorrespond to the reduced area and volume of the card socket device 70.The accommodating groove G4 may include, in some embodiments, first tofourth accommodating grooves G3A, G3B, G3C, and G3D, and a space inwhich the card socket device 70 may be accommodated.

As described with reference to FIG. 12, a portion of the attachable cardMC may be accommodated in the first accommodating groove G3A, and theremaining portion of the attachable card MC, which may extend beyond thefirst accommodating groove G3A, may be accommodated in the secondaccommodating groove G3B. The third accommodating groove G3C and thefourth accommodating groove G3D may be provided to facilitate separationor removal of the attachable card MC.

In some embodiments, an inner surface G3 in of the second accommodatinggroove G3B may have a shape corresponding to a side of the attachablecard MC so as to be engaged with the side of the attachable card MC.When the attachable card MC is mounted on the card socket device 70, forexample, a bended portion of the attachable card MC may be engaged witha bended portion of the inner surface G3 in of the second accommodatinggroove G3B. Therefore, the attachable card MC may be fixed to orretained in the accommodating groove G3.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a mobile terminal 400 including a cardsocket device, according to certain exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 14A, for example, a front portion 400F of the mobileterminal 400 may have an appearance or shape formed by a casing frame401 that may be configured to cover an inner main board or the like. Insome embodiments, the casing frame 401 may expose a display device tothe outside. Although not illustrated, the mobile terminal 400 mayinclude a camera, a receiver, a keypad, or the like in an upper or lowerportion of the display device. The camera may be used to perform a videocall or capture the image of a user. The receiver may output sound upona voice call or the playback of a multimedia file. The keypad mayinclude, for example, a call button, a search button, or the like.Further, in some embodiments, a volume control button, a hot key foroperating the camera, or the like may be installed in a side of themobile terminal 400.

FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the exemplary mobile terminal ofFIG. 14A.

Referring to FIG. 14B, for example, a cover 402 may be configured tocover the casing frame 401 in a rear portion 400B of the mobile terminal400. In some embodiments, the cover 402 may be formed to substantiallyor entirely cover the rear portion 400B of the mobile terminal 400 suchthat, for example, a battery pack, an attachable card, and the like,which may be mounted on the mobile terminal 400, are not exposed. Incertain embodiments, the camera and a lighting device, which may be usedto capture an object, may be installed in the rear portion 400B of themobile terminal 400. The camera and the lighting device may be exposedto the outside without being covered by the cover 402.

FIG. 14C is a rear perspective view of the exemplary mobile terminal 400of FIG. 14B from which the cover 402 is separated.

Referring to FIG. 14C, for example, the casing frame 401, which coversthe inner main board or the like, may be exposed from the rear portion400B of the mobile terminal 400 from which the cover 402 is separated orremoved. In some embodiments, an accommodating groove G and a cardsocket device S may be formed in the casing frame 401, and the cardsocket device S in which the attachable card is inserted may beaccommodated in the accommodating groove G.

In some embodiments, the card socket device S may be any one of the cardsocket devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70, such as those that aredescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. And, in some embodiments, theaccommodating groove G may be any one of the accommodating grooves G1,G2, and G3, such as those that are described with reference to FIGS. 10to 13 and which correspond to the card socket devices 10, 20, 30, 40,50, 60, and 70.

Although the card socket device S and the accommodating groove Gaccommodating the card socket device S are illustrated as being disposedin an upper right portion of the rear portion 400B of the mobileterminal 400, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In someexemplary embodiments, the mobile terminal 400 may include abattery-pack accommodating groove that may accommodate a battery pack.For example, the card socket device S and the accommodating groove Gaccommodating the card socket device S may be formed in a bottom surfaceof the battery-pack accommodating groove.

Although one card socket device S and one accommodating groove Gaccommodating the card socket device S are illustrated in FIG. 14C,exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In some exemplaryembodiments, the mobile terminal 400 may include a plurality of cardsocket devices into which a plurality attachable cards may be insertedand may further accommodate grooves that respectively accommodate thecard socket devices. In some embodiments, the plurality of attachablecards may be of different types. Depending on the types of the pluralityof attachable cards, for example, a card socket device and a shape of arelevant accommodating groove may be changed.

The card socket device S and the accommodating groove G, which may beincluded in the mobile terminal 400, may be used for mounting of varioustypes of attachable cards. For example, when the mobile terminal 400 isa mobile wireless terminal of a global positioning system (GSM) type,the card socket device S and the accommodating groove G accommodatingthe card socket device S may be provided to mount a SIM card. The SIMcard may store information on a terminal subscriber and informationassociated with a terminal system. Therefore, in some embodiments, whenthe SIM card is mounted on a terminal, the terminal may be used as aterminal according to information stored in the SIM card, regardless ofa type of the terminal.

In addition, a user identify module (UIM) card may be mounted on amobile wireless terminal of a code division multiple access (CDMA) type.

In addition to the SIM or UIM card, the card socket device S and theaccommodating groove G accommodating the card socket device S of themobile terminal 400 may be used to mount an external memory card as anauxiliary memory device. For example, the memory card may be a T-Flashcard. The mobile terminal 400 may have an extended storage space bymounting the external memory card.

In some exemplary embodiments, the mobile terminal 400 may include afirst socket configured to mount an identity module card, a secondsocket configured to mount a memory card, and first and secondaccommodating grooves configured to respectively accommodate the firstsocket and the second socket. In this case, each of the first socket andthe second socket may be one of the card socket devices 10, 20, 30, 40,50, 60, and 70 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, and each ofthe first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove maybe one of the accommodating grooves G1, G2, and G3 described withreference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

While various aspects of the inventive concept have been particularlyshown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, itwill be understood that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A card socket device comprising: a seat portionconfigured to receive an attachable card; and one or more connectionterminal portions formed in the seat portion and configured to form anelectrical connection with one or more connection pads formed in abottom surface of the attachable card, wherein the seat portion isconfigured such that a space accommodating the attachable card isupwardly opened, and wherein the seat portion includes a bottom portionwhich faces the bottom surface of the attachable card and on which theone or more connection terminal portions are formed, and one or moresidewall portions that face at least a portion of a side of theattachable card, and wherein an inner surface of the one or moresidewall portions has a shape corresponding to the side of theattachable card so as to be engaged with the side of the attachablecard.
 2. The card socket device of claim 1, further comprising one ormore fixing members disposed in an upper inner surface of the one ormore sidewall portions to retain the attachable card.
 3. The card socketdevice of claim 1, further comprising: a visor configured to protrudefrom an upper inner surface of a portion of the one or more sidewallportions, which are adjacent to the connection terminal portions, and todirect the attachable card to be inserted in a direction toward theconnection terminal portion.
 4. The card socket device of claim 1,wherein when the attachable card is mounted on the seat portion, aheight of a top surface of the sidewall portion is equal to or lowerthan a height of a top surface of the attachable card.
 5. The cardsocket device of claim 1, wherein the seat portion has a planar shape.6. The card socket device of claim 1, wherein when the attachable cardis mounted, an area in which the seat portion overlaps the attachablecard is smaller than half an area of the attachable card.
 7. The cardsocket device of claim 1, wherein the attachable card is one of asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, a user identity module (UIM)card, and a memory card.
 8. A card socket device comprising: a seatportion configured to receive an attachable card; and one or moreconnection terminal portions formed in the seat portion and configuredto form an electrical connection with one or more connection pads formedin a bottom surface of the attachable card, wherein the seat portion isconfigured such that a space accommodating the attachable card isupwardly opened, and wherein the one or more connection terminalportions include a first connection terminal and a second connectionterminal, and a height of a top surface of the first connection terminalis higher than a height of a top surface of the second connectionterminal.
 9. The card socket device of claim 8, wherein the firstconnection terminal is a power supply terminal, and the secondconnection terminal is a data input/output terminal.
 10. The card socketdevice of claim 8, wherein the one or more connection terminal portionsinclude a flexible member having elasticity in a direction perpendicularto a bottom surface of the seat portion.
 11. A card socket devicecomprising: a seat portion configured to receive an attachable memorycard, wherein the seat portion is configured such that a spaceaccommodating the attachable memory card is open on two linear sides;and one or more connection terminal portions formed in the seat portionand configured to form an electrical connection with one or moreconnection pads formed in a bottom surface of the attachable memorycard, wherein the one or more connection terminal portions include afirst connection terminal and a second connection terminal, and a heightof a top surface of the first connection terminal is higher than aheight of a top surface of the second connection terminal.
 12. Anelectronic apparatus comprising: a card socket device configured toreceive an attachable card; and an accommodating groove configured toaccommodate the attachable card and the card socket device, wherein thecard socket device is configured such that a space accommodating theattachable card is upwardly opened, and at least a portion of an innersurface of the first accommodating groove has a shape corresponding to asidewall of the attachable card so as to be engaged with the sidewall ofthe attachable card.
 13. The electronic apparatus of claim 12, furthercomprising: a second accommodating groove disposed under an end of theattachable card and having a bottom surface lower than a bottom surfaceof the first accommodating groove when the attachable care is insertedinto the card socket device.
 14. The electronic apparatus of claim 12,wherein the card socket device is configured to expose a top surface ofthe attachable card when the attachable card is mounted thereon andfurther including: a fixing member disposed in an upper portion of aninner surface of the first accommodating groove to retain the attachablecard.
 15. The electronic apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: aseat portion configured to receive an attachable card; and one or moreconnection terminal portions formed in the seat portion and configuredto form an electrical connection with one or more connection pads formedin a bottom surface of the attachable card, wherein the seat portion isconfigured such that a space accommodating the attachable card isupwardly opened.
 16. The electronic apparatus of claim 15, wherein theseat portion includes a bottom portion which faces the bottom surface ofthe attachable card and on which the one or more connection terminalportions are formed, and one or more sidewall portions that face atleast a portion of a side of the attachable card, and wherein an innersurface of the one or more sidewall portions has a shape correspondingto the side of the attachable card so as to be engaged with the side ofthe attachable card.
 17. The electronic apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising one or more fixing members disposed in an upper inner surfaceof the one or more sidewall portions to retain the attachable card. 18.The electronic apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a visorconfigured to protrude from an upper inner surface of a portion of theone or more sidewall portions, which are adjacent to the one or moreconnection terminal portions, and to direct the attachable card to beinserted in a direction toward the connection terminal portion.
 19. Theelectronic apparatus of claim 18, wherein when the attachable card ismounted on the seat portion, a height of a top surface of the sidewallportion is equal to or lower than a height of a top surface of theattachable card.